Atlantic Technological University (ATU), one of the Iargest multi-campus universities in Ireland, is now accepting their second intake of applicants for their Doctorate of Business Administration (DBA) – the highest level of management qualification available. Aligned to the TU mission, a DBA enhances both the research capacity and executive education portfolio at ATU.
What makes this DBA unique?
Tailored to suit professionals in management or leadership roles, the programme’s flexible structure facilitates doctoral-level research while enabling DBA candidates to continue meeting their employment commitments over a four-year, part-time duration. Simply put, the DBA is practice-based, ensuring strong emphasis on application of research theory.
The DBA will empower innovative thinkers, build analytical prowess, and equip executives with the knowledge and competencies to confront and conquer substantial organisational challenges and opportunities.
A DBA is the pinnacle of professional achievement in the realm of management, offering a platform for individuals to enhance their expertise, drive innovation, and shape the future of their chosen domains.
Patricia Doherty, Head of Department of Business Studies commented “A DBA candidate will develop the skills to critically analyse academic literature, while also building the knowledge to undertake their own original research. As a practice-based DBA, candidates will often propose an organisational problem or opportunity and use their subject matter expertise as their starting point.”
Why Undertake a DBA?
This advanced degree will involve a remarkable journey of growth, both individually and within the broader context of the business world, delivering impact at three levels
Empowering Organisational Impact
- Strategic Leadership: Armed with advanced business knowledge and a strategic mindset, DBA graduates develop and implement visionary strategies that drive growth and competitiveness.
- Innovation Catalysts: DBA research often leads to groundbreaking insights and innovations. Graduates introduce fresh perspectives, enhancing product development, process optimization, and customer experience.
- Problem Solvers: The DBA equips individuals with the ability to tackle complex organisational challenges. They become adept problem solvers who can address issues ranging from market fluctuations to operational inefficiencies.
Unlocking Personal Impact
- Knowledge Mastery: Through rigorous research, DBA candidates gain a deep and nuanced understanding of complex business concepts. This new-found knowledge not only boosts confidence but also cultivates a lifelong passion for learning.
- Critical Thinking: The DBA sharpens critical thinking skills, enabling individuals to dissect intricate problems, formulate innovative solutions, and make informed decisions both inside and outside the boardroom.
- Self-Discovery: The DBA journey often leads to self-discovery, as candidates uncover their unique strengths, interests, and leadership styles. It is a path to personal growth and empowerment.
Elevating Professional Impact
- Executive Roles: DBA holders are sought after for top executive positions, including CEO, CTO, and CMO, due to their strategic acumen and leadership prowess.
- Academic Excellence: For those inclined toward academia, a DBA can lead to prestigious teaching and research roles in universities, allowing them to shape the next generation of business leaders.
- Industry Influence: DBA holders often become thought leaders and influencers in their respective sectors, contributing to industry publications, speaking at conferences, and guiding industry standards.
A DBA is not just an academic pursuit; it is a life-altering journey that empowers individuals to make a profound impact on themselves, their organisations, and their professions.
The DBA Leadership Team
The DBA team and their networks empower excellence, including industry experts and visiting professors. Every member of the faculty is a distinguished expert in their field, possessing doctoral level qualifications obtained from some of the most renowned universities across the globe.
The DBA supervisory team will guide students throughout their doctoral journey. A lead supervisor is assigned in Year 2, ensuring support from the beginning of the research project, assisting from the initial research concept to your final thesis viva.
Dr Anne Burke – Joint Programme Director, DBA
Anne’s research interests encompass a diverse range of areas, including auditing, corporate governance, entrepreneurship, action learning, processual research, and IT-business alignment. In her role, she not only conducts research but also actively contributes to the academic community by delivering lectures as part of PhD programmes at both the TCD Business School and Bursa Uludağ University
Dr Tena Patten – Joint Programme Director, DBA
Tena’s teaching interests straddle the areas of creativity, business, entrepreneurship and education. She is involved at postgraduate level in teaching and supervision and has published in the areas of research methodology, creative enterprise, and pedagogy. Her own DBA was a qualitative study of creative entrepreneurship.
When asked what impact studying the DBA has had on him professionally and personally so far, Shane Grant, VP of Innovation & Administration at PGIM Ireland, and current DBA student, said;
“I hope that completing the DBA will help me advance my career as a professional researcher. In business, we often make quick decisions based on limited information, but the DBA has encouraged me to view situations from multiple perspectives. I now feel better equipped to make more informed decisions, involve others in the process, and cultivate a more creative and collaborative culture.”
For further information, please contact: Wendy McGarvey, Executive Education Coordinator on Wendy.MGarvey@atu.ie or visit www.atu.ie/dba
